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Type I IFNs in the female reproductive tract: The first line of defense in an ever‐changing battleground
Author(s) -
Cumming Helen E.,
Bourke Nollaig M.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of leukocyte biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.819
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1938-3673
pISSN - 0741-5400
DOI - 10.1002/jlb.mr0318-122rr
Subject(s) - biology , innate immune system , immune system , immunology , female reproductive tract , immunity , chlamydia , reproductive immunology , innate lymphoid cell , acquired immune system , reproductive tract , microbiology and biotechnology , reproductive biology , embryo , genetics , sperm , endocrinology , embryogenesis
The primary function of the female reproductive tract (FRT) is to enable successful reproduction, yet the biologic mechanisms required to accomplish this, which include fluctuating sex hormones and tolerance of semen and a semi‐allogeneic fetus, can leave this unique mucosal environment susceptible to pathogenic challenge. Consequently, the FRT has evolved specialized innate and adaptive immune responses tailored to protecting itself from infection without compromising reproductive success. A family of innate immune cytokines that has emerged as important regulators of these immune responses is the type I IFNs. Type I IFNs are typically rapidly produced in response to pathogenic stimulation and are capable of sculpting pleotropic biologic effects, including immunomodulation, antiproliferative effects, and inducing antiviral and bactericidal molecules. Here, we review what is currently known about type I IFN‐mediated immunity in the FRT in human, primate, and murine models and explore their importance with respect to three highly relevant FRT infections: HIV, Zika, and Chlamydia .